Not Forgotten in Prayer: A Year of Hope for Consultants & Exegetes
- kjoubert3
- 24 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago

The Work Few See
Consultants and exegetes rarely take the spotlight. But without them, indigenous-led Bible translation would come to a stop.
These specialists work behind the scenes to play their part in fulfilling the Great Commission. Trained in biblical languages, theology, and translation principles, these faithful servants’ greatest strength goes beyond expertise and knowledge. The Lord is glorified by their humility and heart to serve.
These men and women walk alongside indigenous translators, offering guidance, encouragement, and deep spiritual support as translation teams wrestle with the sacred task of bringing God’s Word into their heart language.
…And the need has never been greater.
Approximately one billion people still wait to hear Scripture in the language they pray in. More than 3,000 language communities cry out for the Word of God. Expert consultants and exegetes are part of how God is answering those prayers.
Like tendons in the Body of Christ, their work is often hidden, but essential. Without their faithful presence, the Bible translation movement would come to a halt.
What They Do And Why It Matters
Consultants guide and evaluate the translation process, ensuring accurate, clear, and natural Scripture translations. These biblical experts help translators untangle complex theology and guide teams through spiritual and cultural tensions while faithfully reflecting Scripture’s original meaning
Consultants often have expertise in biblical languages (Hebrew and Greek), linguistics, theology, and translation principles. They work closely with translation teams and Exegetes to refine Scripture drafts for final consultant approval.
Exegetes work to help prepare the text for the consultant. They often become consultants-in-training when they obtain a BA/BTH level degree. Consultants carefully study and interpret biblical texts in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, analysing language, context, and theological intent to ensure accurate and unbiased translation.
Consultants and exegetes serve as gospel partners by ensuring God’s Word remains just that—His true and reliable Word.
For example, one Ethiopian team hit a wall with Revelation 3:20, ESV: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Their language had no word for “door”—their homes had none. Translating Christ’s words felt impossible. The weight of stewarding God’s truth pressed heavily, and expert help became essential.
Together with consultants and exegetes, the team prayed, talked with local speakers, and searched for a solution. In their culture, guests call from the outer gate when they stop by to visit. So after much work, the team translated Revelation 3:20:
“Behold, I stand at the gate and shout. If anyone hears my voice and opens the outer gate, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”
The message remains—now with clarity, power, and cultural resonance.
This is the beauty of indigenous-led Bible translation supported by qualified consultants: faithful, collaborative, and shaped by deep knowledge of both Scripture and local life.
The Multiplier Effect
Consultants have honed efficient processes to multiply the work by training others. They mentor consultants-in-training (CITs), local exegetes, and translators with growing capacity.
This is where group consultation shines. Group consultation allows multiple translation teams to check their work simultaneously in the same room under the guidance of one or more consultants. This method maximizes efficiency, strengthens peer learning, and trains new consultants and exegetes while maintaining high standards of translation accuracy and faithfulness.
This long-term investment builds sustainability and ownership. It equips communities to carry the work forward with confidence, rooted in sound Scripture and shared wisdom.
A Good Problem
God is advancing Bible translation worldwide so rapidly that a bottleneck has emerged—more trained translators now wait than there are consultants to guide them.
It’s a good problem, and one that signals global momentum in the church. But it still calls for a response.
New solutions already bear fruit. Group consultations, mentoring networks, and local training efforts expand the consultant’s reach.
One consultant working alone might check ten complete Bibles in a lifetime. But through group checking—where several language teams work together—they could contribute to fifty or even one hundred.
It’s collaborative. It’s efficient. And it’s working.
What This Means for the Great Commission
This is how the gospel reaches the nations: through careful work, shared wisdom, and quiet faithfulness.
God is raising up consultants and exegetes, multiplying the work in unprecedented ways, often through unseen people the world may never know, but the Lord does.
Not Forgotten
Thank you for caring. Thank you for praying. Thank you for standing with those who may never be famous, but whose work will echo through eternity.
Will you pray for more consultants and exegetes to be trained and sent into the harvest? Then share this story with a friend or loved one who cares about God’s Word reaching every people group. The need is real, but so is our hope in Him.
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